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ITANAGAR : Heavy rain is likely to lash parts of Arunachal Pradesh on August 4 and 5, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast issued on Monday. The IMD said thunderstorms with lightning and very heavy rainfall are likely at isolated places in Papum Pare district on Tuesday. East Kameng is also likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall. Most other districts have been placed under a ‘yellow’ watch, indicating the possibility of adverse weather, while a few districts remain under an ‘orange’ alert, asking residents to stay prepared. On Wednesday, heavy rainfall activity is expected to ease further, with a yellow watch remaining in force for several districts, including Papum Pare, while no major warning has been issued for large parts of the state. The ongoing spell of floods and landslides has so far claimed seven lives and affected 1,55,850 people across the northeastern state. The monsoon has affected as many as 382 circles and 674 villages in 28 districts of the state so far. The forecast indicates a gradual reduction in rainfall intensity from this day onwards. From Thursday, the weather is expected to improve significantly, with no warning issued for almost the entire state. Only a few western districts are likely to remain under a yellow watch as isolated spells of rain may continue. The outlook for Friday is also favourable, with most districts remaining free from any weather warning. A yellow watch has been issued only for a few isolated areas, indicating that rainfall activity is likely to remain limited. The state Disaster Management department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone, waterlogged and landslide-prone areas during the period of heavy rainfall. Commuters have also been asked to check road conditions before travelling and avoid crossing flooded roads, underpasses or fast-flowing streams. The advisory further urged people to stay away from riverbanks and unstable structures during heavy rain, secure loose outdoor objects, keep emergency supplies ready, and ensure mobile phones remain charged. Farmers have been advised to protect standing crops, harvested produce, livestock and farm equipment from heavy rain and waterlogging. (Source: PTI)    

BOMDILA : The district-level launch of the ‘Gems of India – National Creators Initiative’ was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Bomdila on Monday, bringing together government officials, media personnel, YouTubers, bloggers and digital content creators from across West Kameng district. Addressing the gathering, In-Charge District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Lobom Tamin explained the objectives of the initiative and demonstrated the process of downloading the My WAVE OTT application, registration, video uploading, file-size requirements and content submission guidelines. He urged participants to spread awareness about the initiative among aspiring creators who could not attend the programme and encouraged them to showcase West Kameng’s rich culture, traditions, tourism potential and lesser-known stories through authentic digital content. Describing West Kameng as one of the country’s richest heritage districts, Tamin said creative storytelling could help bring national recognition to the district while preserving and promoting its cultural diversity. Assistant Commissioner Pooja Sonam described the initiative as an excellent opportunity for young creators to showcase their talent while promoting the district through digital storytelling. She encouraged participants to document lesser-known traditions, cultural practices and local stories, while stressing the importance of authenticity and originality in content creation. District Tourism Officer Tracy Thongdok highlighted various themes and subjects that participants could explore while creating content. The programme was attended by Deputy Director of School Education Dr Ribbom Basar Gamlin, government officials, media representatives, YouTubers, bloggers and content creators. The ‘Gems of India – National Creators Initiative’, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, seeks to identify and promote emerging digital creators from every district of the country by providing a national platform to showcase local culture, heritage, tourism, talent and inspiring stories through short-form digital content. The initiative offers cash prizes of ₹50,000 at the district level, ₹2 lakh at the state level and ₹5 lakh at the national level, providing creators an opportunity to gain national recognition for their work. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) on Monday felicitated Er Penya Bagra, Secretary (Code of Conduct), following his election as Joint Secretary of the Badminton India Technical Officials Association (BITOA). The felicitation ceremony was held at the ASBA headquarters at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium near Mallo Taring Government Higher Secondary School, ESS Sector, Itanagar. The programme was attended by ASBA office-bearers, coaches, technical officials, players and well-wishers. Congratulating Bagra, ASBA Secretary General Bamang Tago described the achievement as a proud moment for the badminton fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh. He said Bagra’s election to a key national post had brought recognition to the association and reflected his dedication, integrity and long-standing contribution to badminton officiating and sports administration. ASBA Working President Dr Mohesh Chai also congratulated Bagra and expressed confidence that he would play a significant role in strengthening badminton technical officiating while contributing to the growth of the sport at both the national and state levels. Bagra began his administrative journey with ASBA after being elected as an Executive Member in 2012. He qualified as a State Umpire in 2013 and became a National Umpire in 2015. He later served as Joint Secretary of ASBA from 2016 before taking over as Secretary (Code of Conduct) in 2019. His election as Joint Secretary of BITOA this year marks another milestone in his career in badminton officiating. Expressing gratitude, Bagra thanked the office-bearers and members of ASBA for their continued support and confidence. He dedicated the honour to the badminton fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting badminton technical officiating and contributing to the overall development of the sport across the country.    

YUPIA : The District-Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) on Monday reviewed the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, at a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here. The meeting was chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Hage Mamu, who stressed the need for stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws across the district. She directed District Nodal Officer for NTCP and COTPA Dr Lobsang Chuki to notify authorised officers empowered to enforce Section 4 of the COTPA Act, enabling them to impose and collect fines for smoking in public places. She also instructed that the list of authorised officers, along with their contact details, be made public to facilitate reporting of violations by citizens. Emphasising the importance of awareness, the DC called for intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns through educational institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Bazaar Welfare Committees and other stakeholders to ensure tobacco control messages reach the grassroots. Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar suggested installing COTPA signages at prominent public places and conducting regular enforcement drives and inspections to ensure effective implementation of the law and discourage tobacco use. Earlier, Dr Chuki briefed the committee on the operational guidelines for law enforcement agencies under the NTCP and highlighted the objectives of the programme, the responsibilities of the DLCC and the provisions of Sections 4, 6 and 7 of the COTPA Act. She informed the meeting that tobacco use claims more than 1.3 million lives annually in India—around 3,500 deaths every day—and highlighted the services available at the Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) at Community Health Centre, Doimukh, which provides counselling and nicotine replacement therapy to help users quit tobacco. Representatives of educational institutions sought support in the form of resource persons for awareness programmes, while members of Bazaar Welfare Committees assured full cooperation in implementing tobacco control measures across the district. During the programme, Tobacco Cessation Centre Psychologist Lopa Kena demonstrated the use of nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine gums and patches. The meeting concluded with the Deputy Commissioner administering the No Tobacco Pledge to all participants. Representatives from schools and colleges, Government Degree College Doimukh, Bazaar Welfare Committees and various government departments attended the meeting. (DIPR)    

LIKABALI : A meeting on the preparation of the Zilla Panchayat Development Plan (ZPDP) 2026 was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Likabali on Monday, with a focus on strengthening coordination among Panchayati Raj Institutions and line departments for effective development planning. The meeting was chaired by Koyu Zilla Parishad Member Nyachi Koyu in the presence of Lower Siang District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO) Mokar Riba. It was attended by Zilla Parishad Members, Heads of Departments, panchayat functionaries and officials of various line departments. Addressing the meeting, Lower Siang District Panchayat Development Officer Mokar Riba urged the ZPMs to maintain close coordination and regular interaction with line departments to ensure effective planning and implementation of developmental programmes. He said better coordination between Panchayati Raj Institutions and government departments was essential for addressing local needs and accelerating the district’s overall development. A PowerPoint presentation by the Panchayat Technical Assistant provided an overview of the ZPDP 2026 planning process, while representatives of various line departments presented their sector-wise development plans and proposed activities for the district. The ZPMs actively participated in the deliberations, sharing suggestions and highlighting development priorities from their respective constituencies to ensure that grassroots needs are adequately reflected in the district development plan. The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on convergence, coordination and participatory planning among Panchayati Raj Institutions and line departments for the effective implementation of development programmes and the sustainable development of Lower Siang district. (DIPR)